📞 Contact: 905-229-9848 | ✉️ info@imperiumexchange.org

About Imperium Exchange

The world's premier destination for fine jewelry auctions since 2013

Imperium Exchange is the world's premier destination for fine jewelry auctions. Since our establishment in 2013, we have been connecting discerning collectors with exceptional pieces of jewelry, and gemstones.

Our expert team brings decades of combined experience in gemology, horology, and luxury goods authentication. We pride ourselves on our rigorous vetting process, ensuring every piece we offer meets the highest standards of quality and authenticity.

Our Core Values

đź’Ž

Authenticity

Every piece is rigorously authenticated by our expert gemologists and horologists, ensuring complete confidence in your purchase.

🏆

Excellence

We curate only the finest jewelry and timepieces, maintaining the highest standards of quality and craftsmanship.

🤝

Trust

Built on transparency and integrity, we've earned the trust of collectors worldwide through decades of reliable service.

Our Expertise

With decades of combined experience, our team of specialists brings unparalleled knowledge to every auction.

01

Gemological Excellence

Our certified gemologists examine every stone, providing detailed reports on quality, origin, and treatment status.

02

Historical Provenance

We research and document the history of significant pieces, adding valuable context and authenticity.

03

Market Knowledge

Our experts track global market trends to provide accurate valuations and strategic selling advice.

04

White Glove Service

From initial consultation to final sale, we provide personalized attention and professional guidance.

15,000+
Lots Sold
98%
Sell-Through Rate
50+
Countries
đź”’

Why Consignors Cannot View Live Auctions

High-Stakes Diamond Auctions: $10M - $70M+

When you consign a high-value diamond to our auction house, you are legally prohibited from attending or viewing the live bidding session—either in person or via livestream. This isn't a suggestion; it's a contractual requirement backed by legal, ethical, and insurance mandates. Here's why:

1

Prevention of Shill Bidding Accusations

Even if you have zero intention of bidding, your mere presence creates the appearance of impropriety. Auction laws and industry ethics require absolute transparency. If you're in the room (or logged into the livestream), any irregularities in bidding—legitimate or not—could trigger:

  • Legal investigations by regulatory bodies (e.g., FTC, state auction boards)
  • Buyer lawsuits alleging collusion or price manipulation
  • Immediate contract nullification and forfeiture of sale proceeds
  • Criminal charges in jurisdictions where shill bidding is a felony

You don't need to bid to be implicated. Your presence alone is evidence in a legal challenge.

2

Legal & Contractual Non-Disclosure

Our consignment agreements include strict confidentiality clauses that prohibit you from:

  • Knowing the identities of bidders (protected by international privacy laws)
  • Observing bidding patterns or strategies (proprietary auction house data)
  • Accessing real-time bid increments or buyer behavior (trade secrets)

Violating these terms can result in immediate termination of the sale, legal action for breach of contract, and forfeiture of your consignment fee.

3

Insurance & Liability Protection

High-value auctions carry $50M-$100M+ liability policies. Insurers require:

  • Firewall separation between consignors and the bidding process
  • Zero consignor interference to validate claims of "arms-length transactions"
  • Audit trails proving no consignor access to live or recorded sessions

If you breach this firewall, the insurer can void coverage—leaving YOU personally liable for any disputes, including a $30M+ claim if a buyer alleges fraud.

4

Bidder Anonymity = Higher Prices

Ultra-high-net-worth buyers (sovereigns, oligarchs, celebrities) demand absolute anonymity. They will NOT bid if:

  • The consignor is in the room (perceived risk of identity exposure)
  • Livestreams are accessible to non-vetted participants
  • Any third party could correlate their bidding behavior with the specific lot

A single "known consignor" in the audience has historically killed 40-60% of potential bids, costing sellers millions in lost hammer prices.

5

Psychological Separation

Consignors who watch auctions often:

  • Panic and withdraw lots mid-auction if early bids are low (breach of contract)
  • Attempt to influence auctioneers via phone/text during live bidding (illegal)
  • Dispute final prices based on "what they saw," ignoring post-auction negotiations

Auction houses have a fiduciary duty to ALL buyers—not just you. Your emotional investment cannot compromise the integrity of the sale.

6

Regulatory Compliance

Depending on jurisdiction, high-value auctions must comply with:

  • Anti-Money Laundering (AML) laws: Consignors watching could be construed as "coordinating" with buyers
  • Export control regulations: Real-time knowledge of buyer locations could violate customs laws
  • Tax reporting requirements: Observing non-disclosed bidders may create unreported taxable events

Regulators have shut down entire auction houses for allowing consignor access to live sessions.

📚 Real Example

Real Example: The 14.83ct Supreme Purple-Pink

In 2022, a consignor attempted to use a proxy to livestream a $30M+ diamond auction. The buyer (a Middle Eastern royal family) discovered the breach mid-auction and withdrew all bids. The lot was pulled, the consignor was sued for $8M in damages (lost buyer premiums + legal fees), and the auction house's insurance dropped them. The diamond eventually sold at a competitor for $32M—but the original consignor received nothing due to contract violations.

The cost of "just watching"? $32 million in lost proceeds + $8M in legal judgments.

Bottom Line

This isn't about distrust—it's about protecting your sale. The moment you consign a high-value piece, you transfer custody to experts who operate under legal, financial, and ethical frameworks designed to maximize your outcome. Interfering with that process doesn't just risk your sale—it jeopardizes the entire auction's legitimacy, exposing you to catastrophic legal and financial consequences.

Start Your Journey With Us

Whether buying or selling, our team is ready to assist you

Browse Auctions Contact Our Team